Calathea or Peacock plant: guide to successful repotting

Calathea, or "peacock plant", enchants with its spectacular foliage, often hypnotic in pattern and colour. To keep it at its best, regular repotting is essential. This simple but vital action renews the substrate, gives roots more space and ensures good drainage. Here’s how to proceed, in a few clear steps.

When to repot Calathea?

The ideal time to repot a Calathea is early spring. Generally, repotting every two years is sufficient.

A peacock plant crowded in its pot shows clear signs: roots overflowing, water draining poorly, foliage less vigorous, or substrate drying out too quickly. It’s then time to repot your Calathea.

Which pot and substrate to use?

Calathea likes terracotta or plastic pots, provided they have drainage holes. Choose a container a few centimetres wider than the previous one; no need to oversize it.

For substrate, favour a light, humus-bearing and well-draining mix. A good compromise is to mix potting compost for houseplants, perlite and coconut coir fibre, to retain water without excess.

A pot, potting compost and a trowel: equipment needed for repotting houseplants — A new pot with a drainage hole, the right potting compost and a trowel: everything you need to repot your Calathea (Image generated by AI)

How to repot?

Slightly moisten the substrate the day before: this will make removing the rootball easier without damaging the roots.
Gently remove the plant from its pot, supporting the base of the foliage to avoid breaking stems.
Untangle the roots if they are too matted, handling them gently.
Place a drainage layer (clay balls or gravel) at the bottom of the new pot, then add some substrate.
Position the rootball in the centre of the pot, adjusting its height so that the collar remains level with the rim.
Fill gaps with the remaining substrate, then firm lightly without overcompressing.
Water moderately to moisten everything and promote good contact between the roots and soil.